SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON LEBANON

 

The following Security Council press statement on Lebanon was read out today by Council President Zalmay Khalilzad ( United States):

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the recent outbreak of violence in Lebanon, which killed over 60 people and injured numerous others.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the attacks by the so-called Fatah al-Islam gunmen on Lebanese security and Armed Forces in northern Lebanon, which constitute an unacceptable attack on Lebanon’s stability, security and sovereignty.  They underlined the need to protect and give assistance to the civilian population, notably the Palestinian refugees.

The members of the Security Council also condemned the latest bomb attacks in Beirut, which led to one fatality and caused several injuries.  They expressed their sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and injured, and to the people and the Government of Lebanon.  They welcomed the determination of the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of those and other terrorist attacks.  There must be no impunity for such heinous acts.

The members of the Security Council noted in this regard the strong condemnation expressed by the Council of the Arab League of the criminal and terrorist acts perpetrated against the Lebanese Army and the innocent civilians, and the pronouncement of full support on behalf of the Council of the Arab League to the efforts of the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Army to maintain peace and stability.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Lebanon, and underlined their readiness to continue to act in support of the legitimate and democratically elected Government of Lebanon.  They appealed to all Lebanese to continue to maintain national unity in the face of such attempts to undermine the country’s stability.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon, in conformity with all relevant resolutions.

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For information media • not an official record